United Way of Pierce County is proud to announce that its annual signature event, From Poverty to Possibilities, will feature renowned sociologist and bestselling author Matthew Desmond as this year’s keynote speaker. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at Hotel Murano in downtown Tacoma.
Desmond, a MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and Princeton professor, is celebrated for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, which powerfully reframed the national conversation on housing, economic hardship, and inequality. His gripping storytelling and rigorous research illuminate the systems that perpetuate poverty—and how we can work together to dismantle them.
Now in its ninth year, From Poverty to Possibilities (P2P) has become Pierce County’s signature community summit on breaking down barriers to economic equity. Each year, this event brings together hundreds of community leaders, service providers, advocates, and residents to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.
This year’s theme, The Urgency of Now...Mobilizing Community Power, invites us to move beyond imagining a more just, resilient, and equitable community—toward actively creating it. How do we harness the power of our collective voices and experiences to address poverty at its roots? What must change to ensure true pathways to equity for all? And how do we build the resilience needed so that every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive?
The summit will feature thought-provoking discussions, inspiring local success stories, and opportunities to take action. It continues to serve as a safe space for honest dialogue, forging new relationships and narratives that open doors to lasting systems change.
Thanks to the support of generous sponsors, tickets are just $25, with scholarships available to ensure all can participate. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.
Join us in redefining the future—together.
Event Details
Who: United Way of Pierce County
What: From Poverty to Possibilities Community Summit
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 8:30 am to noon
Where: Hotel Murano | 1320 Broadway, Tacoma, WA
Cost: $25 | Scholarships available
Register here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cjps2de
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